Typists and stenographers
Before computers took over the workplace, businesses relied on entire departments of typists and stenographers to handle paperwork. These workers transcribed dictation, typed out correspondence, and ensured documents were professionally formatted. In the mid-20th century, being a skilled typist was a must-have job skill, and offices were filled with the sound of clacking typewriters. However, as personal computers and word-processing software became widespread, the need for dedicated typists quickly disappeared.
By the 1990s, executives and employees could type their own documents, and voice-to-text software made stenographers less essential. Courtrooms still use stenographers today, but their numbers have dwindled as digital recording technology advances. The decline of the typewriter industry also played a role, as businesses transitioned to sleek computers instead, according to the BBC. Once a staple of the corporate world, the dedicated typist has all but vanished.
Milkmen
Before refrigeration became a household standard, milk delivery was the only way to keep fresh dairy in American homes. Every morning, milkmen made their rounds, dropping off bottles of milk and collecting empties for reuse. The job required early morning starts and heavy lifting, but it was a vital service in the early-to-mid 20th century. Families relied on these deliveries because grocery stores didn’t always have reliable refrigeration for perishables.
By the 1980s, supermarket chains had expanded, and nearly every home had a refrigerator capable of storing milk for days. With milk now widely available at any time, doorstep deliveries became unnecessary and unprofitable, according to The Mirror. Some local farms still offer specialty milk deliveries today, but the days of the uniformed milkman making daily rounds are long gone. It’s a nostalgic piece of Americana that disappeared with modern convenience.
Bowling pinsetters
Bowling was once far more labor-intensive than it is today, especially for the kids who worked as pinsetters, The New York Times reports. Before automatic machines took over, young workers—often teenagers—were paid to manually reset pins after each turn. It was a physically demanding job, requiring quick reflexes and careful positioning to avoid flying bowling balls. While it provided a paycheck for many young workers, it was also dangerous and exhausting.
The 1940s and 1950s saw the rise of mechanical pin-setting machines, which gradually replaced human pin boys. By the 1960s, most bowling alleys had fully automated systems, eliminating the need for manual labor. While some vintage-style alleys still use human pinsetters for nostalgia, it’s no longer a mainstream job. What was once an entry-level gig for many teens has become a relic of the past.
Elevator operators
Riding an elevator used to be a bit more complicated than just pressing a button. In older buildings, elevators were manually controlled by operators who managed the speed, ensured smooth stops, and even announced floor numbers. It was a common job in hotels, department stores, and office buildings well into the mid-20th century. The role also carried an air of formality, as operators often wore uniforms and provided a courteous experience for passengers.
As elevator technology improved, automated systems eliminated the need for a dedicated operator, according to Automation World. By the 1960s and 1970s, self-service elevators became the standard, making the job virtually extinct. Today, elevator operators are mostly found in historic or luxury buildings where they serve more as a nostalgic touch than a necessity. What was once a respected and necessary profession is now a rare curiosity.
Keypunch operators
Before modern computers allowed for direct data entry, information was stored using punch cards, which required a specialized workforce to create. Keypunch operators used machines to punch holes in cards that computers could then read, making them an essential part of early data processing. Large companies, universities, and government agencies all relied on these workers to feed information into computers. The work was tedious, requiring precision and speed to avoid costly errors.
By the late 20th century, advancements in computing made punch cards obsolete, according to the Chicago Tribune. The introduction of keyboards, monitors, and direct data entry meant information could be input instantly without the need for physical cards. Keypunch departments quickly vanished as businesses embraced more efficient technology. While the job was vital in its time, it ultimately couldn’t compete with modern computing power.
Video rental store clerks
For decades, a trip to the video store was a weekend tradition for American families. Clerks helped customers pick out VHS tapes, recommended movies, and restocked shelves with the latest rentals. Video rental stores like Blockbuster and Hollywood Video thrived in the 1980s and 1990s, with employees handling everything from rewinding tapes to tracking overdue rentals. It was a job that required customer service skills and a solid knowledge of movies.
Then came the rise of DVD-by-mail services like Netflix, followed by on-demand streaming, which made physical rentals obsolete. By the early 2010s, video rental stores had all but disappeared, and with them, the need for clerks. Today, streaming platforms offer unlimited choices without late fees or store visits, eliminating the role entirely. While a few nostalgic locations still exist, the days of video store clerks are largely a thing of the past.
Ice cutters
Before refrigerators and freezers, keeping food cold was a serious challenge. Ice cutters braved frozen lakes and rivers in the winter to harvest massive blocks of ice, which were stored in icehouses for use year-round. It was brutal, dangerous work, often performed in freezing temperatures with heavy saws and axes. The ice was then transported to businesses and homes, keeping perishables cool before modern refrigeration existed.
As electric refrigerators became more common in the early 20th century, the need for ice harvesting declined. By the 1930s and 1940s, most households had refrigerators, making ice deliveries obsolete. While the profession had been a necessity for centuries, it was no match for the convenience of modern appliances. Today, the job is little more than a historical curiosity, remembered only in old photographs and museum exhibits.
Switchboard operators
Before automated phone systems, connecting a call wasn’t as simple as dialing a number. Switchboard operators—usually women—were responsible for manually routing calls by plugging wires into panels. They were a vital part of communication in businesses, hotels, and even entire cities. The job required fast reflexes, patience, and a friendly voice, as operators often acted as intermediaries for callers.
As telephone technology advanced, automated switchboards replaced human operators. By the 1980s, most companies and households had direct dialing capabilities, making the job unnecessary. While a few operators still exist in specialized roles, the vast switchboard rooms of the past are long gone. It’s hard to imagine now, but at one time, making a simple phone call depended entirely on human hands.
Railroad telegraph operators
Before cell phones, radios, or modern train dispatch systems, railroads relied on telegraph operators to keep everything running smoothly. These workers sent and received messages in Morse code, relaying critical information about train schedules, track conditions, and emergencies. The job required intense concentration and fast fingers since a single mistake could lead to serious accidents. Railroad telegraph operators were the backbone of train communication for decades, ensuring the safe and timely movement of goods and passengers.
However, as radio communication and digital tracking systems improved, the need for telegraph operators declined. By the mid-20th century, railroads had switched to more efficient communication methods, and the once-vital profession faded away. The last remaining operators were phased out as railroads adopted fully automated signaling systems. While telegraphy still has a niche following among hobbyists, its days as a career are long gone.
Photographic film developers
Before the digital age, capturing a photo was just the first step—you had to get the film developed to see the final result. Photographic film developers worked in darkrooms, carefully processing negatives and printing physical copies. Chain stores and independent photo labs were everywhere, and people would drop off rolls of film, eagerly waiting days to see their pictures. It was a skilled job that required knowledge of chemicals, lighting, and precise timing to produce high-quality images.
The rise of digital photography in the early 2000s led to a sharp decline in film development. Suddenly, people could see their photos instantly, edit them on a computer, and print them at home. While some artists and photographers still use film today, the mass demand for film development vanished almost overnight. Darkrooms that once processed thousands of rolls a day are now mostly relics of the past.
Soda jerks
In the early-to-mid 20th century, soda fountains were a staple of American diners and drugstores, and soda jerks were the energetic workers behind the counter. These employees mixed carbonated drinks, ice cream floats, and milkshakes with flair, often performing tricks while serving customers. The job required memorizing complicated drink recipes, keeping up with a fast-paced environment, and delivering top-notch customer service. Soda jerks were an important part of social life, especially for teenagers looking for a cool hangout spot.
As fast food restaurants and self-service beverage stations took over, soda fountains began disappearing. By the 1970s, most had been replaced by modern diners and convenience stores, making soda jerks unnecessary. While a few retro-themed diners still employ soda jerks for nostalgia, the job is no longer common. What was once an iconic American profession has mostly fizzled out.
Newspaper typesetters
Before digital publishing, every newspaper and magazine relied on typesetters to arrange blocks of metal letters for printing. This painstaking process involved selecting and organizing thousands of tiny characters by hand to form readable pages. It was a highly skilled job that required precision and speed, as daily newspapers had strict deadlines. For centuries, typesetters played a crucial role in getting the news out to the public.
The invention of computerized typesetting in the 1970s and 1980s quickly made the job obsolete. Desktop publishing software allowed text to be arranged digitally, eliminating the need for physical typesetting. As newspapers and magazines shifted to digital production, typesetting jobs disappeared almost entirely. Today, what once took hours of manual labor can be done in seconds with the click of a button.
Linotype machine operators
The Linotype machine revolutionized printing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by allowing entire lines of text to be cast in molten lead for newspapers and books. Linotype operators were highly skilled workers who typed on special keyboards to create metal plates used for printing. The job required technical knowledge and precision, as any mistake meant redoing an entire section. Linotype machines were the gold standard for printing for nearly a century.
By the 1970s, advances in digital printing and computer-based typesetting made Linotype machines—and their operators—obsolete. Newspapers and publishers switched to electronic methods, drastically reducing production time and costs. While a few Linotype machines still exist in museums and specialty print shops, they are no longer a part of mainstream publishing. The once-revolutionary job of the Linotype operator is now just another footnote in printing history.
